TNT and TBS to Become First National Entertainment Networks to Offer Live Streaming 24/7

TBS and TNT announced plans to roll out live streaming across multiple platforms beginning this summer, making the cable channels the first national entertainment networks to go 24/7 with live streaming.

The service will be offered through the networks’ websites and two newly created Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps. The channels announced the plans today during their upfront presentation in New York.

“Live streaming is the latest phase in the rollout of TV Everywhere, the industry-wide initiative that gives subscribers to cable, satellite and telco video services access to more of their favorite shows across a wide range of digital platforms,” the channels said in their announcement.

Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, told the audience at the upfronts: "Starting this summer, subscribers will be able to watch TBS and TNT live — anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices. Tablets and smartphones become television sets, bringing new opportunities for us and for advertisers."

The cable channels announced in a press release: “TNT and TBS will begin their live streaming just as both networks are in the midst of the their summer programming, which for TNT includes returning series ‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ ‘Falling Skies,’ ‘Major Crimes,’ ‘Perception,’ ‘Franklin & Bash’ and newcomers ‘King & Maxwell,’ ‘The Hero,’ ‘72 Hours’ and ‘Cold Justice.’ TBS’s summer lineup includes the second season of the hit sitcom ‘Sullivan & Son’ and the new series ‘Deon Cole’s Black Box,’ and ‘Deal With It.’ Also available through live streaming will be TNT’s award-winning coverage of the NBA, including the regular season, playoffs and All-Star Weekend; TBS’s regular-season and playoff coverage of Major League Baseball; and both networks’ coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.”

The live streams will be available initially through http://www.tntdrama.com and http://www.tbs.com, and through the networks’ newly created iPhone/iPad apps, with additional platforms to be added by the end of the year.